What is the Detroit Cup?

 

The Bayview International Match Race for the Detroit Cup will be one of North America’s most prestigious match racing events in 2008. Ten teams from six countries — Argentina, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Russia and the United States — will race over three days to determine whose name will be the first on the newly dedicated trophy.

 

With the growing popularity of match racing on the Great Lakes and elsewhere in the United States, the Detroit Cup is a chance for this style of racing to be showcased to everyone interested in match racing. Teams will race on the Detroit River in close proximity to spectators on Bayview’s lawn and in its world-famous bar and restaurant. On-the-water viewing will allow an even closer look at the action.

 

The event will be sailed in Bayview’s fleet of Ultimate 20 sailboats. These sport boats with their asymmetrical spinnakers, large sail area and relatively light weight quicken the pace of racing. The current and the shifty winds on the Detroit River give this event other unique challenges.

 

What is Match Racing?

 

A match race can be described as a duel between two identically-matched boats with a winner – and a loser. When two boats are on the line, the race is called a match racing. Match racing has its own set of rules, which are slightly different from the regular racing rules that create very close, aggressive competition in which collisions are certainly not rare. Match racing also has on-the-water judging, with umpires doling out “instant justice” on the water. Match racing is tremendously exciting to participate in. And, unlike watching other sailing competitions, match racing can be thrilling to watch. Before the start, the boats vie for control, circling each other and trying to wipe each other off on spectator boats in an elaborate game of cat and mouse - credit:  www.worldmatchracingtour.com

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